Vegan Irish Stew

Name: Vegan Irish Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British, American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 ribs celery (chopped); 1 yellow onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 - 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (473ml) vegan stout beer; 3 carrots (peeled and cut into chunks); 2 parsnips (peeled and cut into chunks (optional)); 8 oz mushrooms (quartered); 2 1/2 cups baby potatoes (halved (or about 2 regular potatoes and cut into chunks)); 1/2 cup tomato paste; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper